健全横向生态保护补偿机制

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism based on "cost sharing, benefit sharing, and cooperative governance" is a crucial pathway for transforming the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" and is beneficial for promoting regional coordinated development [1]. Group 1: Current Achievements - Significant progress has been made in improving the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism, with an expanded coverage that now includes forests and grasslands [2]. - Agreements for cross-provincial river basin horizontal ecological protection compensation have been signed by 24 provinces, covering 30 cross-provincial river basins [2]. - For instance, Gansu Province initiated a pilot program in 2020 in the Qilian Mountains area, with a total compensation fund reaching 335 million yuan by 2024 [2]. Group 2: Future Directions - Future efforts should focus on clarifying responsibilities and compensation standards, adhering to the principle of "polluter pays, protector benefits," to ensure a positive interaction between ecological product supply areas and beneficiary areas [3]. - Encouragement of cross-regional cooperation and the establishment of a balanced interests mechanism that integrates development coordination and ecological environment co-governance is essential [3]. - The central government will provide financial rewards to provinces that demonstrate high-quality performance in the construction of the horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanism [3].